Use of swirl-like adhesive patterns in the formation of absorbent articles

Abstract

Absorbent products are disclosed comprised of multiple components. At least two of the components are adhered together using an adhesive. In accordance with the present invention, the adhesive is applied in between the components according to a non-uniform pattern that varies as a function of distance. For example, the adhesive pattern may change according to at least one of pattern breadth or adhesive dose in weight per unit area. In one particular embodiment, the pattern contains a swirl-like pattern containing a plurality of loops. Over a particular distance, a change may occur in the size of the loops, in the density of the loops, and / or in alternating between loops and a linear bead. In this manner, placement of the adhesive is carefully controlled in order to counteract mechanical stresses that are placed on the absorbent product during use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Disposable absorbent products currently find widespread use in many applications. For example, in the infant and childcare areas, diapers and training pants have generally replaced reusable cloth absorbent articles. Other typical disposable absorbent products include feminine care products such as sanitary napkins or tampons, adult incontinence products, and healthcare products such as surgical drapes or wound dressings. A typical disposable absorbent product generally comprises a composite structure including a covering, a liner, and an absorbent structure between the covering and the liner. The disposable absorbent products, when appropriate, also may include some type of fastening system for fitting the product onto a wearer. Adhesives are generally used to join the different parts of the disposable absorbent product together. The adhesives are typically applied to the components using one or more nozzles that deliver the adhesive as a linear be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a method for applying adhesives to components during the automated construction of a disposable absorbent product. The adhesive is applied in a non-uniform pattern that changes as a function of distance between the components. This controlled application of adhesive helps improve the overall properties of the product by counteracting mechanical stresses during use. The adhesive can be any type, such as a thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive or a reactive adhesive. The method can be used to attach a liner, outer cover, absorbent structure, or multiple components in the absorbent core of the article. The adhesive pattern can be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the application. The technical effects of the invention include improved product performance, efficiency, and control over adhesive application."

Problems solved by technology

The mechanical stresses which must be resisted by an adhesive in a product are rarely uniform and can vary significantly with position in the article.

Unfortunately, adhesive nozzles that have been used in the past have been substantially static such that the nozzles were incapable of varying the pattern and / or amount of adhesive during operation.

Images